For millions of Americans, “morning breath” that persists the entire day isn’t just a bad dream. Bad breath, or halitosis, affects almost all of us at one point in our lives. The same can be said for mouth sores, gingivitis and tooth infections. All of these dental conditions are extremely common – and yet, in most cases, extremely preventable with proper oral hygiene and frequent checkups at your dentist’s office. Top Dentists is your source for identifying dental conditions that affect you, browsing treatment options and then brushing up (literally!) on the most effective prevention techniques. If your treatment options require the help of a professional, visit our directory to find a Top Dentist near you. Read on to learn how to beat the bad breath blues, conquer canker sores and address the myriad other conditions that can affect your oral health.

Tooth Infections

Tooth infections are a prevalent and painful form of dental disease. Read about the symptoms and treatment for a tooth abscess along with how to keep your teeth healthy.

TMJ

TMJ is a term that covers many different disorders that affect the jaw joint. This can include swelling, muscle spasms, cartilage deterioration or bone disease. Most treatments for TMJ are non-invasive, but surgery may be indicated if other therapies fail.

Mouth Sores

Bruxism (Grinding)

Bruxism (tooth grinding and jaw clenching) is something everyone does from time to time – usually in response to stress. If this habit becomes frequent, you may not notice you are doing it. Since many patients grind their teeth during sleep, the condition can be difficult to recognize until it starts causing problems like jaw pain or tooth damage.

Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)

Xerostomia is the medical term for dry mouth, or the insufficient production of saliva to keep the mouth wet. When left untreated, dry mouth can cause bad breath and tooth decay. Luckily, there are many treatment options available over the counter or at the recommendation of your dentist.

Chipped & Broken Teeth

Patients of all ages may have chipped and broken teeth resulting from accidental injury. Minor cosmetic damage does not affect a tooth’s ability to function normally, though many people will wish to repair the damage. Learn types of procedures and costs associated with chipped and broken tooth repair.

Burning Mouth Syndrome

Are you experiencing a persistent burning feeling somewhere in your mouth? You may have Burning Mouth Syndrome, especially if you are a woman over 50. Unfortunately, the causes and treatments of this condition are obscure and nearly impossible to define. Learn what you need to know about this condition here.

Oral Thrush

Abscessed Teeth

There are toothaches, and then there are abscesses. While neither is good to have, you definitely want to avoid an abscess when possible. This is because an abscess can signal the presence of infection on the innermost portions of your tooth, which can lead to bone infection and even cardiac difficulties.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is extremely prevalent in the United States, although it isn’t as common as it used to be. Most people get their first cavity before the age of 20. The bacteria that creates plaque in your mouth is to blame for dental caries.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars to emerge at the back of the mouth, and many people opt to have them extracted before they cause problems with the alignment of your teeth. Learn more about these molars and how to deal with them.

Fluorosis

Your tooth enamel acts like the bodyguard for your teeth, protecting them against bacteria and plaque. But there’s another invader you may not know about if your child is younger than 8: excess amounts of fluoride. Here’s what you need to know about a condition called fluorosis.

Dry Socket

Dry socket (also called alveolar osteitis) is a painful complication that leaves nerves and bone tissue in a tooth socket exposed after a tooth extraction. Being very careful to keep the blood clot in place after oral surgery is the only way to avoid this problem.

Trench Mouth

Oral Cysts

Oral cysts can form in the lining of the mouth or in the jawbone – usually near a tooth. While this condition is not life threatening, it can cause dental problems if the cyst grows too large. Some cysts require surgical treatment while others may resolve on their own.

Salivary Gland Infections

Salivary gland infections cause dry mouth, swelling and plenty of discomfort before they resolve. Viral infections usually go away on their own; but bacterial infections can continue and become more and more severe if left untreated.

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ)

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) is a bone condition in which an area of exposed bone in the jaw fails to heal, most commonly found in cancer patients taking bisphosphonate drugs who have experienced some sort of oral trauma. Once ONJ has been diagnosed, there are a few treatment options to try before surgery is required.

Impacted Teeth

Wisdom teeth aren’t the only teeth that can become impacted. Impacted teeth don’t always cause pain, but they can lead to serious dental complications. Learn how regular dental exams can help identify impacted teeth before symptoms develop.

Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when a person’s airway is restricted or blocked at night. Lack of oxygen leads to sleep disruption as the brain triggers partial wakening to jumpstart normal breathing again. Some people have this problem for a long time before it is diagnosed.

Enamel Hypoplasia

Your dental enamel is the strongest tissue in your body — even stronger than your bones. However, a condition known as enamel hypoplasia can affect your enamel’s strength, leading to visible changes in your teeth. The condition can result in having either not enough enamel or poor enamel quality.

Teething

Teething is a normal part of growing from a bouncing baby to a curious toddler, but for parents dealing with a fussy infant, the teething process can be a challenge. Find out what you should know about teething symptoms and treatment.

Edentulism

Edentulism – the condition of not having teeth – occurs in males and females, across cultures and age ranges. Learn the causes and several possible side effects of having edentulism, or “being edentulous.”

Salivary Gland Stones

You’ve been diagnosed with a salivary gland stone — something that you’ve never heard of before your most recent appointment. You might’ve even noticed symptoms of the condition, but weren’t able to place what was causing them until now. What causes salivary stones, what treatments are available and how can you prevent these stones from developing in the future? Read on to learn everything you need to know about salivary gland stones.

Tonsil Stones

Whether you call them tonsil stones, tonsilloliths, tonsil crypts or just extra stuff stuck in the back of your throat, particles can become stuck in the backs of your tonsils and cause some minor (or sometimes major) symptoms.

Stomatitis

Tooth Sensitivity

Many people experience occasional tooth sensitivity that causes pain in response to stimuli such as cold or sugar. If the problem lasts for more than a few days, it’s worthwhile to see a dentist. Treatment may include using a desensitizing toothpaste or the application of fluoride gel.

Toothache

A toothache is usually a sign that the nerve in a tooth is being damaged in some way. It may be infected with bacteria that have entered through a cavity or crack in the enamel. A filling, root canal or crown may be required to restore the tooth. Early intervention may help you avoid extraction.

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